My treatment approach to management of the pregnant patient with inflammatory bowel disease

Saudi consensus guidance for the management of inflammatory bowel disease during pregnancy

ABSTRACT

The management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pregnant women is challenging and must be addressed on a patient-by-patient basis. Optimal patient management requires a multidisciplinary team and clear evidence-based recommendations that cater to this subset of patients. In this article, we provide concise guidelines and clinical care pathway for the management of IBD in pregnant women. Our recommendations were developed by a multidisciplinary working group that includes experts from the Saudi Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Saudi Gastroenterology Association and the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacology. All recommendations are based on up-to-date information following an extensive literature review. A total of 23 evidence-based expert opinion recommendations for the management of IBD in pregnant women are herein provided.

Risk of Postpartum Flare Hospitalizations in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Persists After Six Months

BACKGROUND

Although patients with IBD are at higher risk for flares during the postpartum period, little is known about the risk factors, timeline, and healthcare-associated costs of a readmission flare.

AIMS

To ascertain the timeline in which patients are hospitalized for postpartum inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flares, and the associated risk factors.

METHODS

This is a nationwide retrospective cohort study of 7054 patients with IBD who delivered between 2010-2014 obtained from the National Readmissions Database. The presence of IBD was defined using previously validated International Classification of Diseases codes, and univariable and multivariable regression models were performed to assess risk factors associated with a postpartum flare hospitalization over the nine-month observation period.

RESULTS

A total of 353 (5.0%) patients were hospitalized for a postpartum IBD flare, with approximately one-third (30.0%) readmitted after 6 months. On multivariable analysis, having Crohn's disease (aRR 1.47, 95%CI 1.16-1.88), Medicare insurance (aRR 3.30, 95%CI 2.16-5.02), and ≥ 2 comorbidities (aRR 1.34, 95%CI 1.03-1.74) were independently associated with a higher risk of an IBD flare hospitalization. Compared to patients aged 25-29, those 20-24 were at higher risk for an IBD flare readmission (aRR 1.58, 95%CI 1.17-2.13), whereas patients aged 35-39 years were at lower risk (aRR 0.63, 95%CI 0.43-0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with IBD, Crohn's disease, Medicare insurance, multiple comorbidities, and younger age were independent risk factors for a postpartum IBD flare hospitalization. As approximately one-third of these readmissions occurred after 6 months, it is imperative to ensure adequate follow-up and treatment for postpartum IBD patients, particularly in the extended postpartum period.

Therapeutic strategies for pulmonary sarcoidosis

Introduction: The treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis is not standardized. Treatment involves a multi-step decision process beginning with whether treatment is warranted, determining initial therapy, then assessing when therapy requires modifications or can be discontinued.Areas covered: This manuscript will address the following issues concerning the treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis: Treatment indications, initial anti-granulomatous therapy, therapy for chronic and fibrotic disease, glucocorticoid therapy, alternative therapy to glucocorticoids, non-granulomatous therapies, and managing complications of disease. Information was obtained through a literature search of PubMed and Web of Science databases.Expert opinion: Although glucocorticoids are highly effective for pulmonary sarcoidosis, their potential to cause significant side effects often mandates consideration of alternative agents. As the most common indication for the treatment of pulmonary sarcoidosis is quality of life impairment, traditional objective tests of lung function and radiographic imagining often have a minor role in therapeutic decision-making. The development of pulmonary fibrosis from sarcoidosis often causes major morbidity and mortality and should be a major focus of concern.

What factors could influence physicians' management of women of childbearing age with chronic inflammatory disease? A systematic review of behavioural determinants of clinical inertia

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy represents a complex challenge to clinicians treating women with chronic inflammatory disease. Many clinicians face a situation of heightened sensitivity to the potential risks and uncertainties associated with the effect of pharmacological treatment on pregnancy outcomes. This may create an environment vulnerable to clinical inertia, whereby behavioural factors such as cognitive heuristics and biases, and other factors such as attitudes to risk and emotion can contribute. This systematic review was undertaken to assess if clinical inertia has been investigated/identified in this setting and took a behavioural science approach to identify and understand the potential determinants of clinical inertia in this treatment setting.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify publications which investigated or described clinical inertia or its determinants (e.g. heuristics, biases etc.). Results were coded for thematic analysis using two inter-related behavioural models: the COM-B model and the Theoretical Domains Framework.

RESULTS

Whilst studies investigating or describing clinical inertia in this treatment setting were not identified, the behavioural analysis revealed a number of barriers to the pharmacological management of women of fertile age affected by chronic inflammatory disease. Factors which may be influencing clinician's behaviour were identified in all domains of the COM-B model. The primary factors identified were a lack of knowledge of treatment guidelines and fears concerning the safety of medications for mother and fetus. Lack of experience of treating pregnant patients was also identified as a contributing factor to undertreatment.

CONCLUSION

Using a behavioural approach, it was possible to identify potential factors which may be negatively influencing clinician's behaviour in this treatment setting, although specific research was limited.

Influence of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy to pregnant inflammatory bowel disease women and their children's immunity

Background/Aims

The onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) usually occurs at young age, and therefore, women IBD patients experience pregnancy during their disease progression. Recently, the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) has been rapidly increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnancy related outcomes in women with IBD who were treated with anti-TNF-α during pregnancy and immunity of their children.

Methods

Korean women with IBD who had been treated with anti-TNF-α during pregnancy had been enrolled. Medical records were reviewed and a survey was performed for each patient. For the patients who agreed on additional examination for their children, children’s growth, medical history and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) titer were checked.

Results

All 18 patients had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. There was not any case of preterm delivery, low birth-weight infant, congenital anomaly, nor stillbirth. All 12 children had followed the regular vaccination schedule for hepatitis B and 4 of them showed negative results for anti-HBs. After the 1 booster vaccination, all children demonstrated seroconversion. Regarding live vaccines, 4 children had bacillus Calmette-Guerin and 4 had rotavirus vaccine before 6 months, without any specific side effects.

Conclusions

This was the first study of immunity of the children born from IBD women who had been treated with anti-TNF-α medication during their pregnancy. IBD women had comparable pregnancy outcomes with the general women population, suggesting that the disease activity rather than the administered medication would be more important in healthy pregnancy. Considering the history of vaccination and anti-HBs titers, immunity seems to be intact in the children.

Factors associated with pregnancy-related knowledge in women of reproductive age with inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) usually develops at a young age, and many women experience marriage, pregnancy, and delivery during the disease course. We aimed to evaluate the pregnancy-related knowledge of women with IBD in Korea and investigate the associated factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 270 women with IBD, aged 19-45 years, from four tertiary hospitals in Korea were administered a questionnaire comprising 17 questions from the validated Crohn's and Colitis Pregnancy Knowledge Score (CCPKnow) that were translated into Korean.

RESULTS

The average CCPKnow score of the 270 patients was 7.47 ± 3.07; and most of the patients (51.5%) exhibited a poor knowledge level. Younger age at diagnosis, Crohn's disease rather than ulcerative colitis, longer disease duration, anti-TNF-α medication history, higher household income, and delivery after diagnosis were associated with an appropriate level of pregnancy-related knowledge. Younger age at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.87; p = .036), anti-TNF-α therapy (OR, 1.87; p = .047), and delivery while suffering from IBD (OR, 3.07; p = .002) were independent factors affecting the pregnancy-related knowledge level. Approximately 69.6% of patients acquired related knowledge from their gastroenterology doctor, whereas 19.4% of patients intended to remain childless.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the pregnancy-related knowledge of women of reproductive-age with IBD and their perceptions by using a questionnaire in Asia. As more than half of the patients showed a poor knowledge level of IBD, a general education program should be conducted by gastroenterology doctors.

Primary Care Evaluation and Management of Gastroenterologic Issues in Women

Gastrointestinal disorders often present to the primary care setting where initial preventive, diagnostic, and treatment strategies are implemented. This article reviews the presentation and diagnosis of common gastrointestinal disorders, including colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, gallbladder disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroesophageal reflux, and Barrett's esophagus. We focus on the evaluation and management of these diseases in women.

Treatment of pregnant women with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease

The frequency of diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased in younger populations. For this reason, pregnancy in patients with IBD is a topic of interest, warranting additional focus on disease management during this period. The main objective of this article is to summarize the latest findings and guidelines on the management of potential problems from pregnancy to the breastfeeding stage. Fertility is decreased in patients with active IBD. Disease remission prior to conception will likely decrease the rate of pregnancy-related complications. Most of the drugs used for IBD treatment are safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Two exceptions are methotrexate and thalidomide, which are contraindicated in pregnancy. Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents are not advised during the third trimester as they exhibit increased transplacental transmission and potentially cause immunosuppression in the fetus. Radiological and endoscopic examinations and surgical interventions should be performed only when absolutely necessary. Surgery increases the fetal mortality rate. The delivery method should be determined with consideration of the disease site and presence of progression or flare up. Treatment planning should be a collaborative effort among the gastroenterologist, obstetrician, colorectal surgeon and patient.

Use of Immunomodulators and Biologics Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Immunomodulators and biologic medications, alone or in combination, form the core therapeutic strategy for managing moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD incidence peaks during the prime reproductive years, raising concerns about the impact of disease and its treatment on fertility, maternal and fetal health during pregnancy, breastfeeding safety, and childhood development. Although IBD increases risk of pregnancy complications independent of disease activity, adverse pregnancy outcomes are more common when disease is active. To mitigate fetal risk, women should conceive while disease is quiescent. Aside from methotrexate, immunomodulators and biologics may be used during pregnancy to achieve and maintain disease control. Based on available safety data, there is no increased risk of congenital anomalies among infants exposed to these medications. Active thiopurine metabolites and most monoclonal antibodies cross the placenta and are detectable in neonates. They are detectable in breast milk in minute levels as well. The impact of this exposure on neonatal outcomes is discussed. Adjusted dosing schedules during gestation may reduce fetal drug exposure, though the maternal risks of such manipulation require careful consideration. Ongoing prospective studies will further inform risk assessment, including for newer medications such as the anti-integrin agents.

Optimizing the Care and Health of Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease is increasing worldwide. Although diagnosis is equally found in men and women, the chronicity of IBD poses a unique impact on the milestones of a woman's life. As the gastroenterologist becomes increasingly important in the health maintenance of patients with IBD, this review stresses the unique gender issues in women with IBD related to menstruation, cervical cancer, sexual health, contraception, and menopause that may affect the course of disease, treatment decisions, and quality of life.